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About the Author: Zach Shapiro

Avatar Of Zach Shapiro
Zach is entering his 3rd year covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a writer for PewterReport.com. Since 2014, he's handled a large part of the beat reporting responsibilities at PR, attending all media gatherings and publishing and promoting content daily. Zach is a native of Sarasota, FL, and a graduate of the University of Tampa. He has also covered high school football for the Tampa Tribune and the NFL for Pro Player Insiders. Contact him at: [email protected]

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Head coach Dirk Koetter may need a few more game balls after Sunday’s victory – including one for himself.

The Buccaneers remained calm through a turbulent start before taking complete control of the game, dominating the 49ers in every way to earn an impressive 34-17 win out west. Tampa Bay took full advantage of a historically bad run defense, while its own defense continued their success on third down (9-of-15) and created turnovers.

Jameis Winston and Mike Evans’ chemistry was on display while the return of Gerald McCoy was certainly felt. Here’s the long list of the Most Impressive Sunday, according to PewterReport.com.

RB JACQUIZZ RODGERS
Rodgers followed up his first 100-yard effort last week with an even better performance this Sunday. The sixth-year back, signed off the streets in September, bruised his way for 154 yards in the absence of Doug Martin and Charles Sims, running tough behind a dominant offensive line. His 45-yard run immediately following an interception by Bradley McDougald was perhaps the turning point in a stellar offensive outing.

WR MIKE EVANS
Jameis Winston made a few incredible scrambles to keep plays alive, and Evans seemed to always be there to capitalize and bail him out. The future Pro Bowl receiver caught eight passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns Sunday, getting a few of his receptions off broken plays on third down. Evans’ monster season continued out west.

QB JAMEIS WINSTON
After starting 2-of-5 for 42 yards with an interception, Winston settled down by the second quarter and turned in one of his better performances. The second-year quarterback finished the afternoon an efficient 21-of-30 for 269 yards and three touchdowns, completing passes to six different receivers. He led Tampa Bay on a 12-play, 94-yard scoring drive – 72 yards through the air – to start the second quarter and never looked back. From keeping plays alive to moving the chains on third down, Winston looked in control Sunday.

RG ALI MARPET & RT DEMAR DOTSON
Former Buc great and current Fox Commentator Ronde Barber called the right side of the Bucs offensive line “dominating” in the third quarter, and rightfully so. While Joe Hawley and those to the left of him also had solid outings, the blocking lanes were especially evident from Marpet and Dotson’s side. Any time a team rushes for 250 yards – no matter who it’s against – you know the O-line is doing something right. For the most part the pocket was also clean for Winston, who was only sacked twice.

LBs KWON ALEXANDER AND LAVONTE DAVID
The Bucs linebacker duo combined for 18 tackles Sunday, helping to keep runners not named Colin Kaepernick to 76 yards on the ground. While Kaepernick was effective with his feet off broken plays, the 49ers were largely one dimensional. David also forced a fumble in the fourth quarter but San Fran was able to recover.

CB JUDE ADJEI-BARIMAH
In a 24-14 game, Adjei-Barimah, a rotational player in the dime package, came in on a nickel blitz on third-and-12 and forced a sack-fumble to all but seal the victory in the third quarter. With an additional five tackles Sunday, Adjei-Barimah showed how to make the most of your limited snaps. A secondary that got off to a slow start suddenly looks like it’s got some depth.

WILL GHOLSTON
Gerald McCoy was back in action, but Gholston was right there with him in leading the defensive line. Along with seven tackles, the 6-foot-6 linemen recorded a big, eight-yard sack on third-and-12 in the first quarter. Speaking of third down, the Bucs continued their success Sunday, holding San Fran to 6-of-15 conversions. Gholson, for his part, was also a force in the running game, setting the tone for a 76-yard day for the 49ers backfield.

DT GERALD MCCOY
Back from a calf injury, McCoy looked like his usual self anchoring the defensive line and drawing double teams to free up space. The All Pro three-technique finished with three tackles and a sack-fumble, also getting his hand on a ball in the fourth quarter for good measure.

WR RUSSELL SHEPARD
Taking on a larger role on an injury-riddled offense, the special teams ace came up with a couple critical receptions en route to a 5-catch, 77-yard performance that included a touchdown. Shepard took over a drive in the second quarter, catching his first pass to move the chains on third-and-3 before hauling in a 13-yard pass the next play and a 19-yard score to cap off the drive. The Bucs took the lead on Shepard’s score and never gave it back. Evans was the obvious go-to, but when San Fran managed to cover him, Shepard made plays.

S BRADLEY MCDOUGALD
If Rodgers’ 45-yard run was a turning point on offense, McDougald’s interception along the sideline in the second quarter shifted momentum for the Bucs defense. The would turn it into three points, closing the 49ers lead to 14-10 and really starting to take over. Splash plays like that can set the tone early in games and the secondary’s second pick this season came at a good time. McDougald also finished with seven tackles.

Honorable Mention: Noah Spence (sack) and Peyton Barber (44-yard TD)

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